By Your Side

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Pregnant or navigating life with a newborn? By Your Side is the podcast that gets it. Hosted by Katie Barron — educator, parent support advocate and big believer in honest conversations — each episode brings real talk, expert insight and emotional backup for the messy magic of early parenthood. From baby sleep to identity shifts, crying to co-regulation, this is the place to feel calmer, more connected, and a little more like yourself. Because no one should have to figure this out alone — and now, you don’t have to.

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  1. 2025-11-14

    Dad Matters: The Untold Story of Fatherhood — with Kieran Anders

    Why do dads often feel like the “plus one” in pregnancy and early parenting? In this powerful conversation, Katie talks with Kieran Anders, National Lead for Dad Matters, powered by Home-Start, supporting dads in the perinatal period to build strong relationships with their babies. He’s passionate about improving outcomes for families by ensuring dads are included, informed, and supported from the start. Together, they unpack: 👶 How dads bond from birth (yes, hormones play a part!) 🧠 Why play, touch and presence are vital for baby brain development 💬 How to bridge the “dad engagement gap” in pregnancy and postnatal care 💛 Why supporting fathers means stronger, calmer, more connected families   Kieran also shares his personal story — the highs, the struggles, and the reminder that dads don’t need to have it all figured out. They just need the support, space and agency to show up as themselves. 🎧 Tune in to this compassionate and eye-opening episode — for dads, partners, and anyone who believes that every parent deserves to feel they matter 👉 To learn more about Kieran’s work, visit Dad Matters   The conversations shared on this podcast reflect personal experiences and professional insights, but they’re not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. If you’re struggling or have questions about your wellbeing or your baby’s, please speak to a qualified professional. You’re not alone, and help is available.

    36 min
  2. 2025-09-26

    When the Expert Wonders: A Midwife’s Honest Confessions

    In this episode, I sit down with Lucy Nicholson, a midwife with over 15 years’ experience, to talk about the very real pressures parents feel to be “perfect” — and why even the experts carry their own worries about pregnancy and early parenthood. Lucy opens up about her own journey, from navigating expectations to making choices about care. She shares: How to choose (and change) caregivers in a way that feels right for you The role of self-compassion in easing new parent stress Why building community matters — and how her Nesting Lotus classes create a safe, supportive space for parents We also touch on something many parents face but few talk about: SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction), a painful pelvic condition that can affect mobility and confidence during pregnancy. Lucy offers her insights on how gentle movement in water can help, but please make sure you seek further medical advice if you are experiencing symptoms of SPD. It’s a warm, honest conversation packed with reassurance and practical takeaways — for anyone navigating pregnancy, postpartum, or the messy middle in between. 👉 You might also like to go back and listen to our episode with Professor Helen Ball on sleep — another myth-busting, reassuring chat that parents tell us makes a big difference. Link to episode     The conversations shared on this podcast reflect personal experiences and professional insights, but they’re not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. If you’re struggling or have questions about your wellbeing or your baby’s, please speak to a qualified professional. You’re not alone, and help is available.

    32 min
  3. 2025-08-20

    When Joy Turns to Fear: One Mum’s Postnatal Psychosis Story

    Most people have never heard of postnatal psychosis — until it happens to them. In this incredibly brave and honest conversation, Abbi shares her personal experience of postnatal psychosis after the birth of her first baby. From the early signs and terrifying thoughts, to seeking help, hospitalisation, and what recovery really looks like — this episode is raw, important, and full of quiet strength. We talk about: 🧠 What postnatal psychosis can feel like from the inside 🚑 How Abbi got help — and what she wishes more people knew 🫶 The power of being listened to without judgement 💛 What healing has looked like — and how she's using her story to help others If you or someone you love is struggling, this episode is here to say: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. There is a way through. AbBi is living proof.   🔗 Please remember: this episode shares one person’s experience. If anything resonates with you, or you’re concerned about your mental health, we encourage you to seek professional support. You can find more information and help at apni.org — the Association for Postnatal Illness. 🎧 Please listen with care — and join the conversation in the Podcast Lounge if you feel able. By Your Side app.    The conversations shared on this podcast reflect personal experiences and professional insights, but they’re not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice. If you’re struggling or have questions about your wellbeing or your baby’s, please speak to a qualified professional. You’re not alone, and help is available.

    47 min
  4. 2025-07-21

    Finding Connection: The Lifeline of Parent-Toddler Groups with Jo Gordon

    The conversation doesn't have to end here. 👉 Head on over to the podcast lounge the space where you can ask your questions, share your thoughts and connect with other parents that get it. Because you don't have to do this on your own.    What if something as simple as walking to a toddler group could change your whole week — or even your whole parenting journey? In this episode of By Your Side, Katie chats with Jo Gordon, founder of Daniel’s Den — a network of parent-and-toddler groups with a big mission: to ensure that every family has access to a welcoming space within walking distance. Jo shares how her own experience as a new mum sparked a movement, and why showing up to a local group — even when you feel nervous or out of place — can offer connection, community, and a deep sense of belonging. We talk about: What to do if you feel shy or anxious about going to a group for the first time Why face-to-face connection matters more than ever in early parenthood The importance of local, low-cost, and inclusive support How to find or even start your own group if there isn’t one nearby Whether you're curious about toddler groups or just feeling a bit isolated in your parenting day-to-day — this conversation is a gentle reminder: you don’t have to do this alone. 🔗 Find out more about Jo’s work at danielsden.org.uk, and explore free parenting resources and support at byyoursideapp.com or via the episode notes.

    21 min
  5. How Babies Really Sleep — with Professor Helen Ball

    2025-07-11

    How Babies Really Sleep — with Professor Helen Ball

    The conversation doesn't have to end here. 👉 Join us in the podcast lounge the calm, comforting corner of the internet that gets the challenges of parenting. https://byyoursideapp.com/invitation?code=566EEB   Sleep. It’s the thing every new parent craves — and the one thing that can feel completely out of reach. So how do babies really sleep, and what should we actually be doing about it? In this episode of By Your Side, Katie is joined by world-renowned infant sleep researcher Professor Helen Ball for a myth-busting, reassuring conversation that blends science with real-life common sense. Helen is Professor of Anthropology and Director of the Infancy and Sleep Centre at Durham University. With decades of research into how babies sleep (and how we sleep with them), she’s helped shape everything from NHS guidance to public attitudes on co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and safe sleep practices. She’s also the author of the brilliant new book How Babies Sleep — an essential, evidence-based guide for any parent navigating those sleepless nights. Together, we explore: Why newborns sleep the way they do — and why it’s not a problem to solve How Western culture has shaped unrealistic expectations around infant sleep What safe sleep really looks like (it’s not one-size-fits-all) How to find an approach that works for your baby, and your family Whether you’re up for the fifth feed of the night or simply wondering when sleep gets easier, this episode is full of grounded advice, practical takeaways, and the reassurance you didn’t know you needed. 🔗 Grab Helen’s book How Babies Sleep  Find out more about Helen at: www.durham.ac.uk/disc www.basisonline.org.uk https://www.howbabiessleep.com and find free parenting resources, our course, and community at https://byyoursideapp.com/invitation?code=566EEB or via the episode notes.

    33 min
  6. 2025-06-30

    More Than a Massage: Building Bond Through Baby Touch

    What if one of the simplest things you can do with your baby — gentle touch — is also one of the most powerful for their brain, body, and your bond? In this first episode of By Your Side, Katie is joined by child development expert Dan Berman to explore the science and soul behind infant massage. With nearly two decades of experience in Early Years and new parent support, Dan brings a rare blend of warmth, insight, and evidence-based wisdom to the conversation. Dan is the President Emeritus of the U.S. chapter of the International Association of Infant Massage, a Certified Educator in Infant Massage, and the founder of BABY STEP — a free resource hub for new parents and educators. He’s also Director of Development at Our Kids Read, a non-profit helping young children discover the joy of reading. Together, we unpack: How infant massage can support better sleep, bonding, and brain development Why touch is a language your baby already understands How dads and non-birthing partners can use massage to connect from day one Why positive touch is a pillar of early intervention and secure attachment This isn’t about perfect routines or ticking boxes — it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting touch do what it’s always done: connect us. 🔗 For free resources, our parenting course, and membership community, visit byyoursideapp.com or check the links in the episode description.   To stay in touch with Dan and see what he's doing: Dan email:  dan.berman@infantmassageusa.org Dan's LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/danberman1 BABY STEP:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/104231435 International Association of Infant Massage  www.iaim.net Infant Massage USA:  www.infantmassageusa.org Our Kids Read:  www.ourkidsread.org

    32 min

Om

Pregnant or navigating life with a newborn? By Your Side is the podcast that gets it. Hosted by Katie Barron — educator, parent support advocate and big believer in honest conversations — each episode brings real talk, expert insight and emotional backup for the messy magic of early parenthood. From baby sleep to identity shifts, crying to co-regulation, this is the place to feel calmer, more connected, and a little more like yourself. Because no one should have to figure this out alone — and now, you don’t have to.